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50
which deserves praise often seems to get the best, results.
Strangely enough the children seem to thrive in the morbid
environment.
(ii) Better Working Classes.—Here visiting presents
few difficulties with the exception of a few " cranks."
The standard of mothercraft is good with both parents
anxious to gain knowledge—the upbringing of children is
their chief aim in life. It is from this section of the community
that we fill our welfare centres. On visiting one
is greeted with intelligent questions, not only concerning:
babycraft, but the Health Visitor's opinion on radio talks,
air raid precautions, suitable schools, suitable treatment
in certain behaviour, holiday equipment for the baby, at
what age can he go to the sea, etc. These visits are very
tiring, but most satisfying.
(iii). The Middle Classes.—There is in this class a
lack of helpful co-operation between the practitioner and
the health visitor.
In the morning, if this type of mother has a maid, she
is out shopping. If not, she is doing the housework, and
has but little time for interview with the health visitor.
Apart, however, from the primary visit when the services
are explained, the visiting of such cases is not a matter of
great worry.
I am glad to state that, during the year, I have had
several requests for visits, and I am trying very hard on
my district to encourage this practice as I think it is a step
in the right direction. It ensures: (1) Visiting at the right
moment. (2) Finding the mother in. (3) It gives the
mother the confidence that there is a person available who
will give advice whenever necessary. Unless the health
visitor has the full co-operation of the parent it is extremely
difficult for her to examine the child in its own home.
During half the year at least the health visitor has to
work in wet and cold weather. Suitably clad this does not
affect the health visitor to any great extent, but it does
affect the home where she visits. It does not require a
vivid imagination to picture a health visitor after, say,
fifteen minutes in pouring rain either on bicycle or waiting
for a bus with a further journey on foot, and on appearing